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Abstract:

A portable camera for recording and displaying an image of an object such
as printed paper wherein the camera is arranged to be positioned on an
object to be recorded wherein the cameras is provided with an outer lower
surface which is arranged to be in contact with the object if the camera
is positioned on the object, a light sensitive sensor for obtaining an
image of at least a portion of the object, a display and processing means
for processing the image obtained by means of the sensor and for
displaying at least a portion of the recorded image on the display in a
possible magnified form, wherein the camera is provided with at least one
lighting unit for lighting the object to be recorded when the camera is
positioned on the object, wherein the camera is arranged such that light
rays of the at least one lighting unit which are, in use, submitted to
the object are directly submitted to the object, possibly via a mirror
and/or a lens wherein the lighting unit is arranged within the camera
such that if the object which is recorded would be a flat mirror whereon
the camera is positioned for recording the flat mirror, the lighting unit
is located outside a viewing field of the sensor which viewing field is
formed in combination with the flat mirror.

Claims:

1. A portable camera for recording and displaying an image of an object
such as printed paper, wherein the camera is arranged to be positioned on
an object to be recorded wherein the camera is provided with an outer
lower surface which is arranged to be in contact with the object if the
camera is positioned on the object, a light sensitive sensor for
obtaining an image of at least a portion of the object, a display and
processing means for processing the image obtained by means of the sensor
and for displaying at least a portion of the recorded image on the
display, in possible a magnified form, wherein the camera is provided
with at least one lighting unit for lighting the object to be recorded
when the camera is positioned on the object, the camera is arranged such
that light rays of the at least one lighting unit which are, in use,
submitted to the object are directly submitted to the object, wherein the
lighting unit is arranged within the camera such that if the object which
is recorded would be a flat mirror whereon the camera is positioned for
recording the reflective surface of the flat mirror, the lighting unit is
located outside a viewing field of the sensor which viewing field is
formed in combination with the flat mirror.

2. The portable camera according to claim 1, having an outer lower
surface, wherein the outer lower surface extends in a virtual flat plane
wherein, in use, a lighting unit submits light to a virtual flat plane
and/or in that a flat mirror coincides with a virtual flat plane
extending through the outer lower surface wherein it holds that the
lighting unit is located outside a viewing field of a sensor which
viewing field is formed in combination with the last said virtual flat
plane if the virtual flat plane would be a flat mirror and/or that the
flat mirror is sufficiently large so that it extends through the full
viewing field of the sensor.

3. The portable camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera is
arranged such that the light rays of the lighting unit are submitted
directly to the object by means of specular reflection only, if there
would be any reflection and/or in that the camera is arranged such that
the light rays of the lighting unit are submitted directly to the object
by means of specular transmission through a medium only, if there would
be any transmission through a medium.

4. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the outer lower
surface is flat.

5. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the flat mirror is
positioned against the outer lower surface.

6. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the camera is
provided with at least one light mirror for folding up the light path
which extends from the at least one lighting unit to the flat mirror.

7. The portable camera according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is
provided with an optical axis wherein, in use, the at least one lighting
unit is positioned within a lighting unit plane which is perpendicular to
the optical axes wherein the lighting unit plane lies between the sensor
and the virtual flat plane.

8. The portable camera according to claim 7, wherein in use the light
mirror lies in a mirror plane which is angled relative to the light
plane.

9. The portable camera according to claim 8, wherein the light mirror
lies between the light plane and a sensor plane extending through an
outer surface of the sensor which receives light for recording the image,
wherein the sensor plane is perpendicular to the optical axes.

10. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the camera is
provided with a first body portion, a second body portion and a hinge
means for connecting the first body portion and the second body portion
together wherein the first body portion can move relative to the second
body between a folded condition and an unfolded working condition for use
of the camera, wherein the second body portion is provided with the
sensor and the first body portion is provided with the lighting unit and
wherein in the unfolded condition there is a distance between the first
body portion and second body portion.

11. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein the first body
portion is arranged to be positioned on the object to be recorded.

12. The portable camera according to claim 11, wherein the first body
portion comprises the outer lower surface.

13. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein the lighting unit
is arranged to submit light in a direction of the second body portion if
the camera is in the unfolded condition.

14. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein if the camera is
in the unfolded condition, in use, the second body portion extends above
the first body portion.

15. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein the light mirror
is formed by an outer surface of the second body portion wherein, if the
camera is in the unfolded condition, in use, the light mirror faces
downwardly.

16. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein the second body
portion is provided with the display wherein, the display and the light
mirror lie on opposite sides of the second body portion.

17. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein in the folded
condition the first and the second body portion abut against each other.

18. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein in the folded
condition the light mirror abuts a second outer surface of the first body
portion which lies opposite the outer lower surface of the first body
portion which, in use, is in contact with the object to be recorded.

19. The portable camera according to claim 10, wherein the first body
portion and the second body portion each have an overall shape of a flat
rectangular plate.

20. The portable camera according to claim 19, wherein the first body
portion is provided with an opening for recording the object.

21. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the camera is
provided with a first body portion, a second body portion and a means for
connecting and disconnecting the first body portion and the second body
portion, wherein the second body portion is provided with the lighting
unit, the sensor and the display and wherein the first body portion is
arranged to be positioned on the object to be recorded while the second
body portion is connected with the first body portion such that, in use,
the first body portion provides a fixed distance between the second body
portion and the object to be recorded wherein the first body portion is
provided with a side wall surrounding an inner space of the first body
portion and a first and second opening lying opposite to each other and
providing visible access to the inner space wherein if the first body
portion and the second body portion are connected together the second
opening faces the second body portion and the first opening, in use,
faces the object to be recorded such that the sensor can capture an image
of the object to be recorded via the second opening, the space and the
first opening.

22. The portable camera according to claim 21, wherein the first body
portion comprises the outer lower surface.

23. The portable camera according to claim 22, wherein the outer lower
surface comprises the first opening.

24. The portable camera according to claim 22 wherein the display is
inclined relative to the outer lower surface if the second body portion
is connected with the first body portion.

25. The portable camera according to claim 23 wherein if the first body
portion is connected to the second body portion a distance between the
lighting unit and the outer lower surface is smaller than the a distance
between the sensor and the outer lower surface.

26. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is
provided with an optical axis wherein, in use, the at least one lighting
unit is positioned within a lighting unit plane which is perpendicular to
the optical axes wherein the lighting unit plane lies between the sensor
and the outer lower surface and/or in that the sensor is provided with an
optical axis which intersects a flat plane through the first opening in
substantially a centre of the first opening.

27. The portable camera according to claim 21, wherein the second body
portion is provided with a first and second side extending substantially
parallel to each other wherein the second side comprises the display and
the first side faces the first body portion if the first body portion is
connected to the second body portion and/or in that the second body
portion has an overall shape of a flat rectangular plate.

28. The portable camera according to claim 21, wherein the first body
portion is provided with a first and second side extending at an angle
relative to each other wherein the first side comprises the first opening
and the second side comprises the second opening wherein the first side
of the second body portion faces the second side of the first body
portion if the first body portion is connected to the second body
portion.

29. The portable camera according to claim 21, wherein a portion of an
inner surface of the first body portion is curved such that, in use, it
reflects some of the light emitted by the lighting unit towards the first
opening if the first body portion is connected to the second body
portion.

30. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
is reflected in a diffused manner.

31. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein a distance between
the lighting unit and the portion of the curved inner surface is smaller
than a distance between the sensor and the portion of the curved inner
surface.

32. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
is reflected towards an area of the first opening having a larger
distance to the lighting unit than other areas of the first opening, in
that the portion of the inner surface is arranged such that the portion
of the light emitted by the lighting unit which is reflected by the
portion of the inner surface is reflected towards an area of the first
opening having a larger distance to the lighting unit than each other
areas of the first opening wherein in particular the area of the first
opening having a larger distance to the lighting unit than other areas
forms a first halve of the first opening and the other areas form a
second halve of the first opening wherein the first halve and the second
halve in combination form the first opening.

33. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein the light rays
emitted by the lighting unit which directly illuminates a plane laying in
the first opening provide a first distribution of light intensity in the
plane which is not uniform spread over this plane wherein the portion of
the inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted
by the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner
surface provides in combination with the light rays which are directly
received in the plane a total distribution of light intensity in the
plane which is more uniform spread over this plane than the first
distribution.

34. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein the first opening
is provided with a first edge and a second edge laying opposite to each
other wherein the lighting unit directly illuminates a plane through the
first opening adjacent the first edge with an intensity which is higher
than the intensity by which the plane adjacent the second edge is
directly illuminated by the lighting unit and wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
illuminates the plane adjacent the first edge with an intensity which is
lower than the intensity by which the plane adjacent the second edge is
illuminated by the lighting unit via the portion of the inner surface.

35. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
has a larger intensity on a position laying in the first opening having a
larger distance to the lighting unit than other positions laying in the
first opening.

36. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
increases the intensity of the light more in a first area of the first
opening than in a second area of the first opening wherein the intensity
of the light in the first area as a result of the light which is directly
received from the lighting unit in the first area is lower than the
intensity of the light in the second area as a result of the light which
is directly received from the lighting unit in the second area, wherein
in particular the first area and the second are each form a half of the
first opening and wherein the first area and the second area in
combination form the first opening.

37. The portable camera according to claim 29, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
is mainly reflected in predetermined directions wherein each of the
predetermined directions and a normal of the outer lower surface enclose
an angle which is smaller than 90 degrees.

38. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the processing means
is arranged for extracting text from the object and for converting
extracted text into speech.

39. The portable camera according to claim 1 wherein the processing means
is arranged for selective magnification of the image to be displayed on
the display.

40. A portable camera for recording an image of an object such as printed
paper wherein the camera is arranged to be positioned on an object to be
recorded wherein the cameras is provided with an outer lower surface
which is arranged to be in contact with the object if the camera is
positioned on the object, a light sensitive sensor for obtaining an in
image of at least a portion of the object, and processing means for
processing the image obtained by means of the sensor, wherein the camera
is provided with at least one lighting unit for lighting the object to be
recorded when the camera is positioned on the object, characterized in
that, the camera is arranged such that light rays of the at least one
lighting unit which are, in use, submitted to the object are directly
submitted to the object, wherein the lighting unit is arranged within the
camera such that if the object which is recorded would be a flat mirror
whereon the camera is positioned for recording the flat mirror, the
lighting unit is located outside a viewing field of the sensor which
viewing field is formed in combination with the flat mirror.

41. (canceled)

42. A portable camera for recording and displaying an image of an object
such as printed paper, wherein the camera is arranged to be positioned on
an object to be recorded wherein the cameras is provided with an outer
lower surface which is arranged to be in contact with the object if the
camera is positioned on the object, a light sensitive sensor for
obtaining an image of at least a portion of the object, a display and
processing means for processing the image obtained by means of the sensor
and for displaying at least a portion of the recorded image on the
display, in possible a magnified form, wherein the camera is provided
with at least one lighting unit for lighting the object to be recorded
when the camera is positioned on the object, characterized in that, the
camera is provided with a first body portion, a second body portion and a
means for connecting and disconnecting the first body portion and the
second body portion, wherein the second body portion is provided with the
lighting unit, the sensor and the display and wherein the first body
portion is arranged to be positioned on the object to be recorded while
the second body portion is connected with the first body portion such
that, in use, the first body portion provides a fixed distance between
the second body portion and the object to be recorded wherein the first
body portion is provided with a side wall surrounding an inner space of
the first body portion and a first and second opening lying opposite to
each other and each providing visible access to the inner space (if the
first body portion and the second body portion are disconnected from each
other) wherein if the first body portion and the second body portion are
connected together the second opening faces the second body portion and
the first opening, in use, faces the object to be recorded such that the
sensor can capture an image of the object to be recorded via the second
opening, the space and the first opening.

43. The portable camera according to claim 42, wherein the first body
portion comprises the outer lower surface.

44. The portable camera according to claim 43, wherein the outer lower
surface comprises the first opening.

45. The portable camera according to claim 43 wherein the display is
inclined relative to the outer lower surface if the second body portion
is connected with the first body portion.

46. The portable camera according to claim 44 wherein if the first body
portion is connected to the second body portion a distance between the
lighting unit and the outer lower surface is smaller than the a distance
between the sensor and the outer lower surface.

47. The portable camera according to claim 42, wherein the sensor is
provided with an optical axis wherein, in use, the at least one lighting
unit is positioned within a lighting unit plane which is perpendicular to
the optical axes wherein the lighting unit plane lies between the sensor
and the outer lower surface.

48. The portable camera according to claim 42, wherein the second body
portion is provided with a first and second side extending substantially
parallel to each other wherein the second side comprises the display and
the first side faces the first body portion if the first body portion is
connected to the second body portion and/or in that the second body
portion has an overall shape of a flat rectangular plate.

49. The portable camera according to claim 42, wherein the first body
portion is provided with a first and second side extending at an angle
relative to each other wherein the first side comprises the first opening
and the second side comprises the second opening wherein the first side
of the second body portion faces the second side of the first body
portion if the first body portion is connected to the second body
portion.

50. The portable camera according to claim 42, wherein a portion of an
inner surface of the first body portion is curved such that, in use, it
reflects some of the light emitted by the lighting unit towards the first
opening if the first body portion is connected to the second body
portion.

51. The portable camera according to claim 50, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
is reflected in a diffused manner.

52. The portable camera according to claim 50, wherein a distance between
the lighting unit and the portion of the curved inner surface is smaller
than a distance between the sensor and the portion of the curved inner
surface.

53. The portable camera according to claim 50 wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
is reflected towards an area of the first opening having a larger
distance to the lighting unit than other areas of the first opening, more
particularly in that the portion of the inner surface is arranged such
that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit which is
reflected by the portion of the inner surface is reflected towards an
area of the first opening having a larger distance to the lighting unit
than each other areas of the first opening wherein in particular the area
of the first opening having a larger distance to the lighting unit than
other areas forms a first halve of the first opening and the other areas
form a second halve of the first opening wherein the first halve and the
second halve in combination form the first opening.

54. The portable camera according to claim 50, wherein the light rays
emitted by the lighting unit which directly illuminates a plane laying in
the first opening provide a first distribution of light intensity in the
plane which is not uniform spread over this plane wherein the portion of
the inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted
by the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner
surface provides in combination with the light rays which are directly
received in the plane a total distribution of light intensity in the
plane which is more uniform spread over this plane than the first
distribution.

55. The portable camera according to claim 50, wherein the first opening
is provided with a first edge and a second edge laying opposite to each
other wherein the lighting unit directly illuminates a plane through the
first opening adjacent the first edge with an intensity which is higher
than the intensity by which the plane adjacent the second edge is
directly illuminated by the lighting unit and wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
illuminates the plane adjacent the first edge with an intensity which is
lower than the intensity by which the plane adjacent the second edge is
illuminated by the lighting unit via the portion of the inner surface.

56. The portable camera according to claim 50, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
has a larger intensity on a position laying in the first opening having a
larger distance to the lighting unit than other positions laying in the
first opening.

57. The portable camera according to claim 50, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
increases the intensity of the light more in a first area of the first
opening than in a second area of the first opening wherein the intensity
of the light in the first area as a result of the light which is directly
received from the lighting unit in the first area is lower than the
intensity of the light in the second area as a result of the light which
is directly received from the lighting unit in the second area wherein in
particular the first area and the second are each form a half of the
first opening and wherein the first area and the second area in
combination form the first opening.

58. The portable camera according to claim 50, wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
is mainly reflected in predetermined directions wherein each of the
predetermined directions and a normal of the outer lower surface enclose
an angle which is smaller than 90 degrees.

59. The portable camera of claim 1 wherein light rays of the at least one
lighting unit which are, in use, submitted to the object are directly
submitted to the object via a mirror and/or a lens.

60. The portable camera according to claim 19, wherein the first body
portion has the same overall shape and size as the second body portion.

61. The portable camera according to claim 37, wherein each of the
predetermined directions and a normal of the outer lower surface enclose
an angle smaller than 60 degrees.

62. The portable camera according to claim 37, wherein each of the
predetermined directions and a normal of the outer lower surface enclose
an angle smaller than 45 degrees.

63. The portable camera of claim 40 wherein light rays of the at least
one lighting unit which are, in use, submitted to the object are directly
submitted to the object via a mirror and/or a lens.

64. The portable camera according to claim 58, wherein each of the
predetermined directions and a normal of the outer lower surface enclose
an angle smaller than 60 degrees.

65. The portable camera according to claim 58, wherein each of the
predetermined directions and a normal of the outer lower surface enclose
an angle smaller than 45 degrees.

Description:

[0001] The invention relates to a portable magnifying camera for the
visual disabled person. More particularly, the invention relates to a
portable camera for recording and displaying an image of an object such
as printed paper, wherein the camera is arranged to be positioned on an
object to be recorded wherein the cameras is provided with an outer lower
surface which is arranged and intended to be in contact with the object
if the camera is positioned on the object, a light sensitive sensor for
obtaining an image of at least a portion of the object, a display and
processing means for processing the image obtained by means of the sensor
and for displaying at least a portion of the recorded image on the
display, in possible a magnified form, wherein the camera is provided
with at least one lighting unit for lighting the object to be recorded
when the camera is positioned on the object.

[0002] Such a camera is generally known. The object to be recorded is for
example a newspaper which lies on the table. In such a camera, lighting
is very important. Important parameters are glare, shadow and gradient on
a surface of the object to be recorded. For bigger machines it is
possible to place and design the lighting unit in such a way that the
intensity of the light is spread evenly over a surface to be recorded.
When designing compact magnifiers, the lighting is always a problem
because the proximity of the lighting unit causes light spots on the
object to be recorded as well as glare. Thus a problem is that light
which is emitted by the lighting unit is reflected by a glossy surface to
be recorded by the camera towards the sensor so that the sensor can "see"
the lighting unit as an image. In the past this has been solved by using
indirect or concealed lighting causing a more uniform incidence. In
practice this means diffuse reflection: the lighting unit shines on a
frosted white surface and then reflects on the object to be recorded.
Another well-known solution is adding a diffuser in between the object to
be recorded and the lighting unit. This will result in a diffuse light
source which will minimize shadow and light spots, thus resulting in an
evenly illuminated object to be recorded. A draw-back in this design is
however a lot of loss of efficiency. This is caused by the fact that the
light is partly blocked by the diffuser. Another draw-back is that the
light diffuse surface (reflector or translucent) will act as a new light
source although bigger and spreading "softer" light. The proximity
problem (glare) in compact design however remains, now with a bigger
surface of light. Therefore, on reflective objects to be recorded, like
glossy paper, the diffuser will still be reflected as an outline of
surface that is overexposed on the object area. This will have an impact
on black and white tones on the object. This again will result in
problems when enhancing the image in high contrast pictures, for example,
when the image is translated in black and white only. The overexposed
area will be translated in white, masking the more subtle grey tones
"underneath". A bigger diffusion (for example twice as big as the object
area) to prevent this phenomenon is not a solution, because such a
diffuser would be too big for a portable camera.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a solution to at least
one of the above referred to draw-backs.

[0004] According to the invention, the camera is arranged such that light
rays of the at least one lighting unit which are, in use, submitted to
the object are directly submitted to the object, possibly via a mirror
and/or a lens, wherein the lighting unit is arranged within the camera on
a position relative to the sensor such that if the object which is
recorded would be a flat mirror whereon the camera is positioned for
recording the reflective surface of the flat mirror (so that the
reflective surface of the flat mirror faces the sensor), the lighting
unit is located outside a viewing field of the sensor which viewing field
is formed in combination with the flat mirror. It further holds that the
flat mirror is sufficiently large so that it extends through the full
viewing field of the sensor. This means that the full viewing field is
mirrored by the flat mirror for defining the position of the lighting
unit relative to the sensor. Because the light source is placed in an
area where the sensor cannot see it, the problem of glare cannot occur.
Also a more even distribution of light on the object can be realized. Of
course the mirror itself does not belong to the camera. The mirror is
merely used for defining the position of the lighting unit relative to
the sensor wherein this position is independent from the presence or
absence of the mirror. In other words, because the light source is placed
in an area where the sensor cannot see it if the mirror would be present,
the problem of glare cannot occur if other objects having a (somewhat)
reflective surface are recorded. Alternatively according to the invention
the camera is arranged such that light rays of the at least one lighting
unit which are, in use, submitted to the object are directly submitted to
the object, possibly via a mirror and/or a lens, wherein the lighting
unit is arranged within the camera on a position relative to the sensor
such that the lighting unit is located outside a viewing field of the
sensor which viewing field would be formed in combination with a virtual
flat mirror extending in a virtual flat plane extending through the lower
outer surface wherein a reflective surface of the mirror faces the
sensor. Again it further holds that the virtual flat mirror is
sufficiently large so that it extends through the full viewing field of
the sensor. This means that the full viewing field is mirrored by the
flat mirror for defining the position of the lighting unit relative to
the sensor. Because the light source is placed in an area where the
sensor cannot see it, the problem of glare cannot occur. Also a more even
distribution of light on the object can be realized. Preferably, the
camera is provided with at least one light mirror for folding up the
light path which extends from the at least one lighting unit to the flat
mirror. Because the light path may be folded up, the optical distance
between the lighting unit and the object to be recorded can be made
bigger without having a negative impact on the size of the portable
magnifying camera as such. Such a relatively bigger optical distance
between the light and the object, will result in the black and white
tones to be eliminated more evenly relative to the situation when there
is a relative small optical distance between the lighting unit and the
object.

[0005] Preferably, it holds that the sensor is provided with an optical
axis wherein, in use, the at least one lighting unit is positioned within
a lighting unit plane which is perpendicular to the optical axes wherein
the lighting unit plane lies between the sensor and a virtual flat plane
through which the lower outer surface extends. In this way the portable
magnifying camera can be made of a compact design.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment it holds that the camera is
provided with a first body portion, a second body portion and a hinge
means for connecting the first body portion and the second body portion
together wherein the first body portion can move relative to the second
body between a folded condition and an unfolded working condition for use
of the camera, wherein the second body portion is provided with the
sensor and the first body portion is provided with the lighting unit and
wherein in the working condition there is a distance between the first
body portion and second body portion. In this way the camera can be
positioned in a folded condition so that it becomes relatively compact
and can be carried easily by the visually handicapped person. For
example, the camera may have such a size that it can be positioned in a
pocket of a jacket or trousers.

[0007] Preferably it holds that the first body portion is arranged to be
positioned on the object to be recorded. In that case the first body
portion may comprise the outer lower surface. The lighting unit may be
arranged to submit light in a direction of the second body portion if the
camera is in the folded condition. Preferably, it holds that if the
camera is in the unfolded condition, in use, the second body portion
extends above the first body portion. In that manner, the portable
magnifying camera can be easily positioned on a flat surface which is,
for example, provided with a paper to be recorded. Preferably it holds
that the real mirror is formed by an outer surface of the second body
portion wherein, if the camera is in the unfolded condition, in use, the
mirror faces downwardly. Preferably it holds that the second body portion
is provided with a display, wherein the display and the mirror lie on
opposite sides of the second body part. Preferably it holds that if the
camera is in the folded condition, the mirror lies against a surface of
the first body part which surface lies opposite the surface of the first
body part which forms said outer lower surface.

[0008] As indicated above light rays of the lighting unit are transmitted
directly to the object, possibly via a mirror and/or a lens. Hence direct
transmission of these light rays means that these light rays are not
diffused by reflection on, for example, a frosted wall and/or are not
diffused by transmission through, for example, a diffuser. Transmission
of the light rays through a lens (which provides specular transmission,
e.g. conversion and/or diversion of the light beams) or reflection of the
light rays on a mirror (which provides specular reflection of the light
beams) is however considered as direct transmission of the light rays. In
other words: the above mentioned light rays of the lighting unit may be
transmitted directly to the object wherein it is also possible that the
above mentioned light rays are transmitted to the object via at least one
mirror and/or via at least one lens.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a portable camera
which may be used for different purposes. The portable camera according
to this aspect of the invention is characterized in that, the camera is
provided with a first body portion, a second body portion and a means for
connecting and disconnecting the first body portion and the second body
portion, wherein the second body portion is provided with the lighting
unit, the sensor and the display and wherein the first body portion is
arranged to be positioned on the object to be recorded while the second
body portion is connected with the first body portion such that, in use,
the first body portion provides a fixed distance between the second body
portion and the object to be recorded wherein the first body portion is
provided with a side wall surrounding an inner space of the first body
portion and a first and second opening lying opposite to each other and
each providing visible access to the inner space (if the first body
portion and the second body portion are disconnected from each other)
wherein if the first body portion and the second body portion are
connected together the second opening faces the second body portion and
the first opening, in use, faces the object to be recorded such that the
sensor can capture an image of the object to be recorded via the second
opening, the space and the first opening. Because the first body portion
can be disconnected from the second body portion the second body portion
can also be used for recording and displaying, for example, an
environment of the user or another object if the second body portion is
separated from the first body portion. In that mode of use the second
body portion need not to be positioned on the object but may simply be
hand-held. Because the second body portion is provided with the lighting
unit an object or environment to be recorded and displayed by means of
the second body portion only, can also be enlightened. It is noted that
the portable camera according to this aspect of the invention may, but
need not, be also characterized in that the camera is arranged such that
light rays of the at least one lighting unit which are, in use, submitted
to the object are directly submitted to the object, possibly via a mirror
and/or a lens, wherein the lighting unit is arranged within the camera
such that if the object which is recorded would be a flat mirror whereon
the camera is positioned for recording the reflective surface of the flat
mirror, the lighting unit is located outside a viewing field of the
sensor which viewing field is formed in combination with the flat mirror.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment the first body portion
comprises the outer lower surface. In that case the outer lower surface
may comprise the first opening. Preferably the display is inclined
relative to the outer lower surface if the second body portion is
connected with the first body portion. This provides an easy use if the
outer lower portion is positioned on a horizontal surface of an object to
be recorded and displayed. According to a special embodiment it holds
that if the first body portion is connected to the second body portion a
distance between the lighting unit and the outer lower surface is smaller
than a distance between the sensor and the outer lower surface. The
advantage of the relatively large distance between the sensor and the
outer lower surface is that a relative large area of the object can be
recorded. The advantage of the relatively small distance between the
lighting unit and the outer lower surface is that the object can be
lighted efficiently. Preferably the second body portion is provided with
a first and second side extending substantially parallel to each other
wherein the second side comprises the display and the first side faces
the first body portion if the first body portion is connected to the
second body portion and/or in that the second body portion has an overall
shape of a flat rectangular plate. This enables an easy use of the second
body portion if the second body portion is disconnected from the first
body portion. Preferably it holds that, the first body portion is
provided with a first and second side extending at an angle relative to
each other wherein the first side comprises the first opening and the
second side comprises the second opening wherein the first side of the
second body portion faces the second side of the first body portion if
the first body portion is connected to the second body portion. This
particular shape of the first body portion provides several advantages:
it enables an easy way for the display to be angled relative to the outer
lower surface while at the same time the second body portion may have the
preferred shape as discussed above. Also the preferred positions of the
sensor and the lighting unit relative to the outer lower surface as
discussed above can be realised in an easy manner.

[0011] According to a advantageous embodiment it further holds that a
portion of an inner surface of the first body portion is curved such
that, in use, it reflects some of the light emitted by the lighting unit
towards the first opening if the first body portion is connected to the
second body portion. In this way a more even light distribution over the
first opening of the light emitted by the lighting unit can be obtained.
This light distribution is at least substantially the sum of the light
which is submitted directly from the lighting unit to the first opening
and the portion of the light which is reflected by the portion of the
curved inner surface towards the first opening. In this respect it
preferably holds that the portion of the inner surface is arranged such
that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit which is
reflected by the portion of the inner surface is reflected towards an
area of the first opening having a larger distance to the lighting unit
than other areas of the first opening, more particularly in that the
portion of the inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the
light emitted by the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of
the inner surface is reflected towards an area of the first opening
having a larger distance to the lighting unit than each other areas of
the first opening wherein in particular the area of the first opening
having a larger distance to the lighting unit than other areas forms a
first halve of the first opening and the other areas form a second halve
of the first opening wherein the first halve and the second halve in
combination form the first opening. The mentioned areas of the first
opening may lie in a virtual plane coinciding with the outer lower
surface. Also it may hold that the light rays emitted by the lighting
unit which directly illuminates a plane laying in the first opening
provide a first distribution of light intensity (for example measured in
Lux) in the plane which is not uniform spread over this plane wherein the
portion of the inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the
light emitted by the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of
the inner surface provides in combination with the light rays which are
directly received in the plane a total distribution of light intensity
(for example measured in Lux) in the plane which is more uniform spread
over this plane than the first distribution. The plane may coincide with
the outer lower surface.

[0012] Also it may hold that the first opening is provided with a first
edge and a second edge laying opposite to each other wherein the lighting
unit directly illuminates a plane through the first opening adjacent the
first edge with an intensity (for example measured in Lux) which is
higher than the intensity by which the plane adjacent the second edge is
directly illuminated by the lighting unit and wherein the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
illuminates the plane adjacent the first edge with an intensity which is
lower (including zero intensity) than the intensity by which the plane is
illuminated adjacent the second edge by the lighting unit via the portion
of the inner surface. Again the plane mat coincide with the outer lower
surface. It may also hold that the portion of the inner surface is
arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit
which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface has a larger
intensity on a position laying in the first opening having a larger
distance to the lighting unit than other positions laying in the first
opening. This intensity may be defined as the intensity of the light at
such a position laying in a plane which coincides with the outer lower
surface. It may also hold that the portion of the inner surface is
arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit
which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface increases the
intensity of the light more in a first area of the first opening than in
a second area of the first opening wherein the intensity of the light in
the first area as a result of the light which is directly received from
the lighting unit in the first area is lower than the intensity of the
light in the second area as a result of the light which is directly
received from the lighting unit in the second area, wherein in particular
the first area and the second are each form a halve of the first opening
and wherein the first area and the second area in combination form the
first opening. It may hold that the first area and the second area lay in
a plane coinciding with the lower outer surface.

The invention will now be clarified on the basis of the drawing wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a possible embodiment of a
portable magnifying camera according to the invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 shows a practical embodiment of a portable magnifying camera
according to the principle of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 shows the portable magnifying camera of FIG. 2 in the
unfolded condition from a first point of view; and

[0016]FIG. 4 shows the portable magnifying camera of FIG. 2 in the
unfolded condition from a second point of view.

[0017]FIG. 5 shows a first view of an alternative embodiment of a camera
according to the invention;

[0023]FIG. 10 shows a possible use of the camera according to FIG. 5; and

[0024] FIG. 11 shows a possible use of the second body portion of the
camera according to FIG. 5.

[0025] In FIG. 1 a portable magnifying camera is referred to by means of
reference number 1. The camera is for recording and displaying an image
of an object such as printed paper lying on a surface of a table. In FIG.
1 the surface of the table is referred to by reference number 2. On this
table 2, an object to be recorded is provided with reference number 4. As
is shown in FIG. 1 the camera is positioned on the object 4 to be
recorded. The camera is provided with an outer surface 6 which is
arranged to be in contact with the object 4 if the camera is positioned
on the object 4. The camera is further provided with a light sensitive
sensor 8 for obtaining an image of at least a portion of the object 4.
The light sensitive sensor 8 is, for example, a CCD or CMOS. Other types
of sensors are however also possible.

[0026] Furthermore, the camera is provided with a display 10 and
processing means 12 for processing the image obtained by means of the
sensor 8 and for displaying at least a portion of the recorded image on
the display 10 in a possible magnified form. The camera is further
provided with at least one lighting unit 14 for lighting the object 4 to
be recorded when the camera is positioned on the object. The lighting
unit 14 may for example be formed by well-known led's.

[0027] According to the invention the lighting unit is located on a
special position. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the lighting unit is
positioned such that light rays 16 of the lighting unit which are
submitted to the object 4 are directly submitted to the object.
Furthermore, the lighting unit is arranged within the camera such that if
the object 4 which is recorded, would be a flat mirror 4 whereon the
camera is positioned for recording the reflective surface 3 of the flat
mirror 4, the lighting unit is located outside a viewing field 18 of the
sensor which the viewing field is formed in combination with the flat
mirror 4. This means that the reflective surface 3 of the flat mirror
faces the sensor 8. It also means that the sensor can not `see` the
lighting unit via the flat mirror. The outer boundaries of the viewing
field 18 are indicated by dotted lines 20, 22, 24, 26. The flat mirror is
sufficiently large so that it extends through the full viewing field of
the sensor. Indeed the flat mirror is sufficiently large so that it does
not limit the size of the viewing field extending away from the
reflective surface of the flat mirror (the portion of the viewing field
which extends away from the reflective surface of the mirror extends
between the dotted lines 24 and 26 and is not limited by a size of the
flat mirror because the flat mirror extends through the full viewing
field. This also means that the full viewing field is mirrored by the
flat mirror for defining the position of the lighting unit relative to
the sensor.). In fact the viewing field which extends between the dotted
lines 20 and 22 is within the viewing field which extends between the
lines 24 and 26. The viewing field which would extend in FIG. 1 below the
flat mirror 4 if this mirror would be deleted, is indicated by dotted
lines 28, 30, which dotted lines again show the outer boundaries of this
portion of the viewing field. The resulting viewing field which
boundaries are formed by the dotted lines 20, 22, 28, 30 has the form of
a cone. These dotted lines 20, 22, 28, 30 form the outer boundaries of
the viewing field without the object 4. However due to the object 4 in
the form of the mirror 4 the portion of the viewing field which is
bounded by the dotted lines 28, 20 is mirrored in a flat plane 31 which
extends through the flat mirror 4. The actual viewing field which is
reflected in the flat mirror 4 and which lies within the dotted lines 24,
26, forms a portion of the cone.

[0028] As becomes clear from FIG. 1, the lighting unit is arranged within
the camera such that the lighting unit is located outside the viewing
field of the sensor 8. The advantage is that if the object 4 would, for
example, be printed paper which at least slightly reflects light by means
of specular reflection, the image of such object will not be glared by
the lighting unit 14. The sensor 8 can not `see` the lighting unit 14 via
a reflective surface of the object (independent from the size of the
reflective surface) which reflective surface would face the sensor 8.
This holds for each size of the reflective surface of the object because
the above mentioned flat mirror which was used for defining the position
of the lighting unit within the camera extends through the full viewing
field of the sensor.

[0029] On the other hand the light emitted by the lighting unit will
lighten directly the object.

[0030] As becomes clear from FIG. 2, the outer lower surface 6 extends in
a virtual flat plane 32 wherein, in use, the lighting unit submits light
to the virtual flat plane 32. Also it holds that the flat mirror 4 lies
against the virtual flat plane 32. In fact for determining the viewing
angle it is assumed that the flat plane 32 coincides with the flat plane
31 now these planes lie against each other (for clarity reasons in FIG. 1
there is shown a schematic small distance between plane 31 and plane 32).
This means that it also holds that the lighting unit is located outside a
viewing field of the sensor which viewing field is formed in combination
with the virtual flat plane 32 if the virtual flat plane would be a flat
mirror.

[0031] The camera is arranged such that the light rays of the lighting
unit 14 are submitted directly to the object. If there would be any
reflection of the light that reaches the object 4 it would be specular
reflection only.

[0032] In accordance with a preferred embodiment the lighting unit 14 is
replaced by a lighting unit 34. Furthermore, in that preferred embodiment
the camera is provided with a light mirror 36 for folding up the possible
light paths 38 which extends from the at least one lighting unit 34 to
the flat mirror 4 (the outer boundaries of the area wherein such folded
up light paths extend are indicated by dotted lines 15, 17, 19, 21 and
the outer boundaries of the light paths without the light mirror 36 are
indicated by dotted lines 23, 25, 19, 21). The light mirror 36 provides
specular reflection of the light emitted by the lighting unit that
reaches the object. As can be understood from FIG. 1, the lighting unit
34 is positioned in such a manner relative to the mirror 36 that light
16' which is submitted by the lighting unit 34, reaches the object 4 as
if the lighting unit 34 would be positioned on a position where the
lighting unit 14 is positioned when the mirror 36 is not present. A light
path which extends from the lighting unit 34 to the object 4 is indicated
by a light ray 16'. Because of the position of the lighting unit 34, the
camera can be of a more compact design compared with the situation
wherein the lighting unit 14 is present. Moreover, the length of the
light path 16' will result in a more even light distribution over the
object. Again it holds that the lighting unit directly submits light (via
the light mirror 36) to the object 4. It this case the light is also
reflected, but this reflection is specular reflection only.

[0033] The sensor 8 is provided with an optical axis 39. The optical axis
39 is the actual axis of the viewing field of the sensor 8 which has the
shape of a cone.

[0034] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the lighting unit 34 is positioned
within a lighting unit plane 40 which is perpendicular to the optical
axis 39. The lighting unit plane 40 lies between the sensor 8 and the
virtual flat plane 32. It follows also from the above that the light rays
16' of the lighting unit 34 are submitted to the flat mirror 4 by means
of specular reflection only.

[0035] It follows also from FIG. 1 that the mirror lies in a mirror plane
42 which is angled relative to the lighting unit plane 40.

[0036] It follows also that the mirror 36 lies between the lighting unit
plane 40 and a sensor plane 44 extending through an outer surface 46 of
the sensor 8 which outer surface 46 receives the light for recording. The
sensor plane 44 is perpendicular to the optical axis 39. In FIG. 1 only
one lighting unit 34 is provided which submits light via the mirror 36 to
the object 4. It is however also possible that additional light sources
and/or additional mirrors are provided for submitting light to the object
4 to be recorded wherein such additional lighting units are positioned
outside the viewing angle of the sensor 8. It is also possible that the
lighting unit submits light directly to the object 4 via additional
lenses.

[0037] In FIGS. 2-4 a practical embodiment of a portable magnifying camera
1' is provided working according to the same principal as discussed for
FIG. 1. In FIGS. 2-4 and FIG. 1, features which correspond with each
other are provided with the same reference numbers.

[0038] The portable magnifying camera is provided with a first body
portion 50, a second body portion 52, and hinge means 54 for connecting
the first body portion and the second body portion together. The first
body portion can be moved relative to the second body portion between a
folded condition as is shown in FIG. 2 and an unfolded working condition
as is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The unfolded working condition as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 is the condition for use of the camera. The second body
portion 52 is provided with the sensor 8. The first body portion is
provided with the lighting unit 34 which in this example is formed by a
longitudinal array of LED's. In the working condition there is a distance
between the first body portion 50 and the second body portion 52. The
first body portion is arranged to be positioned on the object 4 to be
recorded. The object 4 can for example be a piece of paper lying on a
table. The first body portion 50 comprises the outer lower surface 6 as
can be seen in FIG. 4. If the camera is in the unfolded condition, in
use, the second body portion extends above the first body portion. The
light mirror 36 is formed by an outer surface of the second body portion.
If the camera is in the unfolded condition, the light mirror 36 faces
downwardly as will be clear from FIG. 4. The lighting unit 34 is arranged
to submit light in a direction of the second body portion if the camera
is in the unfolded condition. This light is reflected by the light mirror
36 and submitted to the object which is schematically shown in FIG. 4 by
a plurality of lines. The second body portion is further provided with
the display 10. The display and the mirror lie in opposite sides of the
second body portion 52.

[0039] Furthermore, the processing means 12 can be arranged in the first
body portion 50 and/or the second body portion 52. As becomes clear from
FIGS. 3 and 4, the first body portion and the second body portion each
have an overall shape of a flat rectangular plate. The first body portion
has the same overall shape and size as the second body portion.
Furthermore, the first body portion is provided with an opening 60 for
recording the object 4. Basically the opening 60 provides that the first
body portion 50 has somewhat the shape of a U. The opening 60 is
indicated by a plurality of lines.

[0040] The position of the sensor 8, the mirror 36, the lighting unit 34,
and the outer surface 6 in working condition of the practical embodiment
as shown in FIGS. 3-and 4 functions the same as discussed for FIG. 1.
Also in the apparatus magnifying camera according to FIGS. 3 and 4 the
lighting unit 34 is located outside the viewing field of the sensor 8 if
the object 4 would be a flat mirror.

[0041] As is shown in FIG. 2, in a folded condition the first and the
second body portion abut against each other. In that condition the mirror
36 abuts a second outer surface 62 of the first body part 50 which second
outer surface 62 lies opposite the lower outer surface 6 of the first
body portion which, in use, is in contact with the object to be recorded.
In this example, the portable magnifying camera is further provided with
a button marked "-" and a button marked "+". If the button "+" is
operated the image of the object 4 is zoomed in on the display. If the
button "-" is operated, a zooming out function will be executed.
Furthermore, the apparatus is provided with a button 64 for adjusting the
brightness of the image which is displayed on the display 10. Also the
camera is provided with a power on/off button 66.

[0042] Based on FIGS. 5-11 an alternative embodiment of a camera according
to the invention is described. In the figures corresponding elements are
provided with the same reference numbers. FIGS. 9A, 9B show different
features of the same embodiment.

[0043] The camera according to FIGS. 5-11 is also arranged to be
positioned on an object to be recorded. The camera is provided with an
outer lower surface 6 which is arranged to be in contact with the object
if the camera is positioned on the object. Again the camera is provided
with the light sensitive sensor for obtaining an image of at least a
portion of the object, a display and processing means 12 for processing
the image obtained by means of the sensor and for displaying at least a
portion of the recorded image on the display 10.

[0044] The camera is further provided with a first body portion 100, a
second body portion 102 and means for connecting and disconnecting the
first body portion and the second body portion. The means 104 for
connecting and disconnecting the first body portion 100 and second body
portion 102 may for example comprise magnets. As schematically indicated,
the first body portion 100 may be provided with a first magnet 104A
wherein the second body portion 102 is provided with a second magnet 104B
wherein in FIG. 5 the magnets generate such forces that the first body
portion 100 and the second body portion 102 are forced towards each other
but can be separated from each other by hand. FIG. 7 shows a bottom view
of the second body portion 102 which is separated from the first body
portion. As is shown in FIG. 7 the second body portion is provided with a
lighting unit 14 which is provided, in this example, with four LED's 15.
The four LED's 15 form a so called LED-strip. Furthermore the second body
portion is provided with a light sensitive sensor 8, for example, a CCD
or CMOS. Other types of sensors are however also possible. Furthermore,
the second body portion is provided with a display 10. The first body
portion 100 is arranged to be positioned on an object 4 to be recorded
while the second body portion is connected with a first body portion.
This situation is shown in FIG. 10 wherein the object to be recorded is a
piece of paper. In use, the first body portion 100 provides a fixed
distance between the second body portion 102 and the object 4 to be
recorded as becomes clear from FIG. 10. In order to enable the recording
the first body portion is provided with a side wall 106 surrounding an
inner space 108 of the first body portion 100. Also the first body
portion comprises a first opening 110 and a second opening 112 lying
opposite to each other and providing visible access to the inner space
108. If the first body portion and the second body portion are connected
together as is shown in FIG. 10, the second opening 112 faces the second
body portion 102. Moreover, in use, in that case the first opening 110
faces the object 4 to be recorded such that the sensor 8 can capture an
image of the object to be recorded via the second opening 112, the inner
space 108, and the first opening 110. The first body portion comprises
the outer lower surface 6 which is arranged to be in contact with the
object 4 if the camera is positioned on the object. The outer lower
surface 6 is made flat and is provided with rounded edges which are
adjacent to the surrounding side wall 106 for easy sliding over the
object 4. The first body portion 100 may, for example, be made from a
plastic material. Other materials are also possible. For the sake of
clarity it is indicated that the outer lower surface 6 comprises the
first opening 110. As becomes clear from FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10, the
display is inclined relative to the outer lower surface 6 if the second
body portion is connected with the first body portion. This has as a
result, as is shown in FIG. 10, that if the object to be recorded lies in
a horizontal plane while the portable camera is positioned on a
horizontal surface of the object, the display is facing the user which
makes it easy for the user to see the content of which is displayed.

[0045] It is however also possible to disconnect the first body portion
and the second body portion from each other so that the second body
portion can be used as a hand-held camera. In that case, by means of the
sensor 8, an image is captured from the object 4 which is shown on the
display 10. This image may be processed by the processing means 12, for
example for magnifying the image. At the same time the object 4 may be
enlightened by means of the lighting unit 14 for improving the image of
the object 4. If the second body portion 102 is hand-held such as shown
in FIG. 11, it is also possible to display an image of the environment of
the user, simply by panning the second body portion.

[0046] If on the other hand the first body portion and the second body
portion are connected to each other, an image of the object 4 can be
provided on the display 10 as is shown in FIG. 10. Also in that case by
means of the processing means 12, the image can be processed, for
example, for magnifying the image, adapting the resolution of the image,
modifying the contrast or intensity of the image etc.

[0047] Because, as is shown in FIG. 10 the first body portion provides a
fixed distance between the second body portion and the object to be
recorded it is possible to provide an image of the object with a very
high predetermined stable quality. Moreover other features of the camera
according to the invention even further improve the quality of the image.
As becomes clear from FIG. 6, the inner space 108 is completely
surrounded by the side wall 106 wherein the opening 110 is in fact closed
by the object 4 and the opening 112 is closed by the second body portion.
This means that the portion of the object to be recorded is not
enlightened by daylight. However the portion of the object to be recorded
is enlightened by means of the lighting means 14. This has as an
advantage that the enlightening of the object is of a predetermined level
and nature so that the obtained image can be optimal. As discussed in
relation with the embodiment according to FIGS. 1-4, it also holds in
that case that the lighting unit 14 lies outside the viewing field of the
camera which viewing field is obtained if the object 4 would be replaced
by a perfect mirror (see FIG. 5). Again this viewing field is indicated
by dotted lines 20, 22, 24, 26. This means that, as discussed above, if
the object 4 would be glossy the camera 8 will not "see" via the glossy
object the image of the lighting unit itself.

[0048] As is shown in FIG. 9, the sensor 8 is provided with an optical
axis 116 which intersects the first opening 110 at least substantially in
its center. Clearly in this way a good image can be obtained from the
portion of the object which is visible through the first opening 110.
Furthermore it holds that the at least one lighting unit 14 is positioned
within a lighting unit plane 40 which is perpendicular to the optical
axis 39 wherein the lighting unit plane 40 lies between the sensor 8 and
the outer lower surface 6. Thus the camera has a relatively large
distance to the lower surface for obtaining a larger image of the object
wherein the lighting unit lies relatively close to the lower surface for
providing a good illumination of the object. Because on the one hand the
display 10 is tilted wherein the lighting unit and the sensor have a
position relative to each other as discussed above it is at the same time
realized that the second body portion is provided with a first side 120
and a second side 122 extending substantially parallel to each other
wherein the second side comprises a display 10. In use, the first side
faces the first body portion if the first body portion is connected to
the second body portion. Also it holds that the second body portion has
an overall shape of a flat and rectangular plate which enables easy
hand-held use as is shown in FIG. 11. At the same time, as will be clear
by now, the first body portion is provided with a first side 124 and a
second side 126 extending at an angle α relative to each other
wherein the first side comprises the first opening 110 and the second
side 126 comprises the second opening 112. The first side of the second
body portion faces the second side 122 of the first body portion if the
first body portion is connected to the second body portion.

[0049] Thus the tilting of the display is realized by the first body
portion so that the second body portion when disconnected from the first
body portion can have a rectangular shape as discussed above.

[0050] As becomes clear from FIG. 9A, 9B (same embodiment with different
features shown) the lighting unit 14 submits light rays 16 directly
towards the opening 110. Because, as is shown in FIG. 9, the lighting
unit 14 is positioned on the left-hand side, this may mean that the
rectangular area 130 having a width d and a length l as is shown in FIG.
8 wherein this area is shown in shaded form, receives light having a
smaller intensity than light received by other areas which are more close
to the lighting unit 14. As a result of this, the shaded area 130 (laying
in a virtual flat plane 32 through the opening and coinciding with the
outer lower surface 6) may be directly illuminated by the lighting unit
14 with an intensity which is considerably lower than for example the
intensity by which the rectangular area 132 (also laying in a virtual
plane through the opening and coinciding with the outer lower surface 6)
is directly illuminated as shown in FIG. 8. Thus the intensity of direct
received light (see for example light ray 180 in FIG. 9B) in the area 130
is lower than the intensity of direct received light in the area 132 (see
for example light ray 182 in FIG. 9B). This is due to the fact that the
distance between the area 130 and the lighting unit is larger than the
distance between the area 132 and the lighting unit. This is also caused
by the fact that the direction of for example the light ray 180 relative
to the area 130 differs from the direction of for example the light ray
182 relative to the area 132 (the light ray 180 has a larger angle z
relative a normal of the virtual plane than the light ray 182). Thus the
intensity wherein the area 130 is directly illuminated (for example
measured in Lux) is lower than the intensity wherein the area 132 is
directly illuminated. Thus without other ways of enlightening the
intensity wherein the area 130 is enlightened may for example be 20% of
the intensity wherein the area 132 is enlightened. In order to enlighten
the portion of the object 4 which is visible through the opening 110 with
a more equal light distribution, an inner surface 134 is provided with a
curved portion 136. This curved portion extends upwards along the arrow
as is shown in FIG. 9 and extends horizontally along the arrow h as shown
in FIG. 8. This portion is arranged such that in use, it reflects some of
the light emitted by the lighting unit towards the first opening if the
first body portion is connected to the second body portion. In this way,
an additional amount of light is submitted to the opening for providing
in combination with the light which is submitted directly to the opening,
a more evenly spread illumination of the object which is visible through
the opening. In this example the area 130 may be illuminated by means of
all light received (directly received light and light received after
reflection(s)) with an intensity in the area 130 (again may be measured
in Lux) which is 65% of the intensity by which the area 132 is
illuminated by means of all light received (directly received light and
light received after reflection(s)). In this example, the portion of the
inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by
the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
is reflected in a diffused manner. For this, the portion 136 can have a
well-known roughened structure.

[0051] It becomes clear from FIG. 9A, 9B that the distance between the
lighting unit and the portion 136 of the curved inner surface is smaller
than a distance between the sensor and the portion of the curved inner
surface. Moreover, the portion 136 is arranged such that the portion of
the light emitted by the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion
136 of the inner surface is reflected towards an area 130 of the first
opening having a larger distance to the lighting unit than other areas
132 of the first opening.

[0052] This reflection towards the area 130 may be directly as is shown by
light ray 200 of may be indirectly by means of a reflection on another
portion 202 of the inner surface as is shown by light ray 204 (see FIG.
9B).

[0053] More particularly it holds that the portion of the inner surface is
arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit
which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface is reflected
towards an area 130 of the first opening having a larger distance to the
lighting unit than each other area of the first opening. The above may
also hold for other areas such as shown in FIG. 9B. In FIG. 9B the area
150 of the first opening having a larger distance to the lighting unit
than other areas forms a first halve of the first opening and the other
areas form a second halve 152 of the first opening wherein the first
halve and the second halve in combination form the first opening.

[0054] It further holds that the portion of the inner surface is arranged
such that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit which is
reflected by the portion of the inner surface has a larger intensity on
the position of the first opening having a larger distance to the
lighting unit than other positions of the first opening. This position
may, for example, lie within the area 130 whereas the other positions lie
outside this area.

[0055] It further holds that the portion 136 is arranged such that the
portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit which is reflected by
the portion of the inner surface increases the intensity of the light
more in a first area 130 of the first opening than in a second area 132
of the first opening wherein the intensity of the light in the first area
as a result of the light which is directly received from the lighting
unit in the first area 130 is lower than the intensity of the light in
the second area as a result of the light which is directly received from
the lighting unit in the second area 132. This also holds for other
selections of areas such as shown in FIG. 9B. There it holds that the
portion 136 is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by the
lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface
increases the intensity of the light more in a first area 150 of the
first opening than in a second area 152 of the first opening wherein the
intensity of the light in the first area as a result of the light which
is directly received from the lighting unit in the first area 150 is
lower than the intensity of the light in the second area as a result of
the light which is directly received from the lighting unit in the second
area 152. In this case the first area and the second are each form a
halve of the first opening and wherein the first area and the second area
in combination form the first opening.

[0056] Thereby it is clear that the light reflected by the portion 136
compensates intensity differences between different areas as a result of
the direct lighting of these areas by means of the lighting unit 14. In
other words it holds that the light rays emitted by the lighting unit
which directly illuminates a plane laying in the first opening provide a
first distribution of light intensity in the plane 32 which is not
uniform spread over this plane wherein the portion of the inner surface
is arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting
unit which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface provides in
combination with the light rays which are directly received in the plane
a total distribution of light intensity in the plane 32 which is more
uniform spread over this plane than the first distribution.

[0057] This feature of the invention may be further described as follows.
The first opening is provided with a first edge 150 and a second edge 152
laying opposite to each other. In fact the first opening is further
provided with two opposites edges 154, 156 wherein the edges 150-156
provide the first opening with a rectangular shape. The lighting unit
directly illuminates the plane 32 through the first opening adjacent the
first edge 150 with an intensity which is higher than the intensity
whereby the plane adjacent the second edge 152 is directly illuminated by
the lighting unit. Furthermore the portion of the inner surface is
arranged such that the portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit
which is reflected by the portion of the inner surface illuminates the
plane adjacent the first edge 150 with an intensity which is lower than
the intensity by which the plane adjacent the second edge 152 is
illuminated by the lighting unit via the portion of the inner surface.
The portion of the inner surface is arranged such that the portion of the
light emitted by the lighting unit which is reflected by the portion of
the inner surface is mainly reflected in predetermined directions wherein
each of the predetermined directions p (p1, p2) and the outer lower
surface enclose an angle γ1, γ2 which is smaller than
90°, preferably smaller than 60° and more preferable
smaller than 45° (see FIG. 9A).

[0058] The example is in no matter limited to the disclosed embodiments.
Clearly the angle α may have other values as shown in FIG. 9A. For
example the angle α may be around 40° or even 45°. In
this example the lighting unit is positioned outside the viewing field
defined by dotted lines 20, 22, 24, 26. It is however also possible that
the lighting unit is placed within the viewing field defined by these
lights. Of course in that case glare may occur but the camera has still
the advantage that the first body portion and the second body portion can
be separated from each other so that the second body portion can be used
as a hand-held camera.

[0059] Also the portable camera may be provided with zoom buttons 140
(FIG. 5) and mode buttons 142. By means of the zoom buttons the amount of
magnification (zoom-in and zoom-out) may be varied. By means of the mode
buttons it is for example possible to, in combination with the zoom
buttons 114 to vary the light intensity of the lighting unit, the
contrast of the displayed image, the intensity of the displayed image,
etc. In this example the first and second body portion are connected to
each other by means of magnets. Other coupling means are possible such as
mechanical coupling means for example a bayonet closure. Such variations
all fall within the scope of the invention.

[0060] In this example the portable magnifying cameras are arranged for
recording streaming video of the object 4 and displaying same on the
display 10. This means that if the object is moved relative to the
camera, a moving image of the object will be displayed on the display 10.
It is however also possible that photos of the object 4 are made and
displayed on the display 10.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the invention it is possible that the
processing means are arranged for recognizing words on the object and
converting recognized words into spoken text. The spoken text can be
outputted to, for example, a head phone which is connected to the camera.
Additionally or alternatively, a Braille display may be operated by means
of the camera if the processing means are arranged to recognize words on
the object. In accordance with the invention it is also possible that the
portable camera is not provided with a display 10. In that case, the
processing means 12 may be arranged for converting recognized text on the
object into speech as indicated above. Such variations all fall within
the scope of the invention.